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Study Mechanical Engineering, why & how to study

Mechanical Engineering is at the forefront of developing new technologies for many industries. Think transport, healthcare, construction and robotics.

Engineer using tablet to check and control automation robot arms machine.

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Mechanical Engineering?

  2. What Mechanical Engineering degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Mechanical Engineering degree?

  4. What topics does a Mechanical Engineering degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Mechanical Engineering?

  7. What do Mechanical Engineering graduates earn?

  8. What jobs can you get as a Mechanical Engineering graduate?

  9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  10. Similar subjects to Mechanical Engineering

  11. Have any questions?

What’s Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Engineering applies the principles of engineering to the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of machines and mechanical systems.

It's the branch of engineering education that's been around the longest. You'll learn the traditional practical application of techniques alongside modern computer simulations.

The areas of Mechanical Engineering are vast. You’ll learn about things like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and mechanical design. Courses usually involve a lot of practical lab work.

Take a look at the university league table for Mechanical Engineering.

What Mechanical Engineering degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering usually come with a BEng (Bachelor of Engineering). Many have an integrated master’s degree as part of the course, where you can earn an MEng (Master of Engineering).

As well as Mechanical Engineering, other related degree courses include:

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

You can focus on the design and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Courses teach you how to ensure projects are cost-effective, efficient and high-quality. Industries include consumer, aerospace and energy.

Find Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering courses.

Automotive Engineering

This course specialises in the automotive systems that help vehicles to function. You'll learn about fuel efficiency, chassis design, safety and aerodynamics, among other areas.

Search for Automotive Engineering courses.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Combine a course with Electrical Engineering and explore how the two areas intersect. You’ll gain expertise in electronics, control systems, mechatronics, power distribution and more.

Find Mechanical and Electrical Engineering courses.

Other options

Joint-honours degrees are sometimes available to study. These let you combine your studies with another subject, such as Business & Management.

Universities often offer integrated foundation years, industrial placements and study year opportunities. Some offer two-year accelerated degrees.

What do you need to get onto a Mechanical Engineering degree?

Most undergraduate Mechanical Engineering courses ask for 96–160 UCAS points. Not every university will base its offer on UCAS points. Some courses may have lower or higher requirements. Qualifications may include:

  • A Levels: A*AAA–CCD
  • BTECs: D*D*D*–MMM
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BBBC (Advanced Highers: AAA–AB)
  • International Baccalaureate: 40–26
  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied maths and a science (often physics) at A Level, or equivalent

Other good subjects to have studied include:

  • Technology-based subjects
  • General studies and critical thinking A Levels may not be accepted

Experience that would look good on your application:

  • Work experience or shadowing in an engineering or fabrication company
  • Taking part in competitions or challenges to stretch your problem-solving abilities
  • Further research on topics of interest in engineering journals, TED talks, podcasts or online courses/MOOCs
  • If eligible, STEM summer schools such as with the Sutton Trust or UNIQ

Other requirements for this subject include:

  • Pass in the practical element of science taken at A Level
  • Interview and entry assessments may be required by some universities

What topics does a Mechanical Engineering degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Design and manufacture
  • Electrical and information engineering
  • Engineering mathematics
  • Heat transfer
  • Mechatronics
  • Stress analysis
  • Structures, materials and dynamics
  • Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of the following, and will vary from module to module:

  • Computer exercises
  • Essays
  • Exams
  • Presentations, oral and poster
  • Project work
  • Technical reports

Why study Mechanical Engineering?

A Mechanical Engineering degree allows you to branch out and explore options. Your degree could lead you into aerospace engineering, engine design, robotics, manufacturing or even theme park ride design.

Career-specific skills:

  • Knowledge that crosses boundaries with engineering branches such as electrical and structures
  • Understanding processes like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and material properties
  • Design, development, testing, commissioning and maintenance of a wide range of systems
  • Drafting and use of computer applications

Transferable skills:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creative problem solving
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Decision making
  • Innovative thinking
  • Numeracy and data handling
  • Project management

Professional accreditation:

Degrees may be accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

They may include registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

My favourite thing about my course is that it allows me to be the full-fledged nerd that I am. While sometimes it feels repetitive, as I’ve learnt some of the course content before, there is always something new to learn. I love how, even though I’ve studied the same concept before, it manages to shed light on something I had never thought about.

Jyoti, University of Strathclyde

What do Mechanical Engineering graduates earn?

Mechanical Engineering graduates can expect an entry-level salary of around £18,000–£28,000.

Mid-career, your pay is likely to depend on the sector you work in. For those in rail engineering, an average income might be £46,500. Those in the energy, nuclear and renewables sectors could earn an average of £59,000.

Chartered Engineers, managers and project managers tend to earn higher salaries.

What jobs can you get as a Mechanical Engineering graduate?

A degree in Mechanical Engineering is highly vocational. It usually leads to work in fields such as aerospace, civil contracting, maintenance, and mechanisms. However, your knowledge can be useful in diverse roles, including management, banking or patents.

  • Business manager
  • Consultant engineer
  • Design engineer
  • Intellectual property lawyer
  • Maintenance engineer
  • Manufacturing test engineer
  • Project engineer
  • Renewable energy consultant
  • Technical writer
  • Vehicle engineering manager

See more about the careers you can get with a Mechanical Engineering degree.

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

If you have a related degree, postgraduate options include taught master’s and research degrees:

  • Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc
  • Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering PhD
  • Acoustical and Vibration Engineering MSc
  • Railway Engineering with Project Management MScEng

Similar subjects to Mechanical Engineering

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

Search undergraduate Mechanical Engineering courses now!

Have any questions?

Do you have questions about studying Mechanical Engineering? Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

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